1946-1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith

The 1946-1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith was the custom-bodied
Rolls-Royce series in the postwar years, continuing a famous name of the
1930’s. Rolls-Royce
built the chassis, essentially a stretched-wheelbase version (127
or 133 inches) of the contemporary 120-inch Silver Dawn/Bentley Mark VI
platform, with the same suspension design and drivetrains.

Bodywork for the Silver Wraith was supplied by traditional Rolls-Royce
specialists -- Park Ward, H.J. Mulliner, Hooper, and others -- most with
wood framing and light-alloy or steel panels. Many Wraith’s had
"classic" lines, with freestanding headlamps, separate front fenders,
division window between passengers and chauffeur, and the characteristic
Rolls-Royce "parthenon" grille.

Complete luxury equipment was expected, and interiors were
decked out with leather upholstery, wood trim, and, in a few cases, cut-glass
ornaments. Displacement of Rolls-Royce's F-head six was increased to 4.5 liters in
1951, then 4.9 liters in 1955; otherwise, few mechanical changes were seen in
these years.

In this era there was no doubt: these were "The Best
Cars in the World."